Genoa man given probation in domestic battery case

SYCAMORE – A Genoa man originally accused of fracturing his wife’s nose and leaving a cut on her face May 7 pleaded guilty Tuesday to a reduced charge.

Nedzad Music, 32, of the 200 block of Stearn Drive, was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery. Other criminal charges against him were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

He also was sentenced to 21 days in jail, but given credit for the time he served while the case was pending.

Music originally had been charged with aggravated domestic battery, possession of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card and endangering the lives of his children.

The most serious charge he faced was a Class 2 felony, which typically is punishable by up to seven years in prison. Music’s attorney, DeKalb County Public Defender Tom McCulloch, said he thought dropping the charge was fair because he gets to continue his counseling and because it was what his wife wanted.

“She wanted him home,” McCulloch said.

The original charges stemmed from three incidents on the same day, authorities said. About 9:20 a.m. May 7, Music allegedly grabbed his wife’s left arm and swung her head into a wall, authorities said in court records.

About two hours later, Music allegedly rammed his shoulder into another man while walking past him at a store, authorities said. Next, Music was driving with his four daughters, ages 3 to 8, when he drove into oncoming traffic and passed a red light, authorities said. The passenger side of the vehicle was almost hit by an oncoming vehicle, authorities said.

McCulloch said Music’s wife gave a different version of events than what the police reported. She said her nose was broken because she ran into a door as Music was closing it.

“When all was said and done, she thought all he needed was some medication and treatment,” McCulloch said.